Existing M&A and organizational learning theory research suggests the firm can develop expertise in M&A process execution with each successive M&A transaction experience. The ability to align, assimilate and exploit this learning to build acquisition capability over time aligns with the dynamic capabilities theory. This study inductively explores how the firm learns from previous acquisition experience and continuously improves its M&A process capability. While there are three dimensions of dynamic capabilities, this study focuses on the Sensing dimension – identifying opportunities and threats meeting the demands of an ever-evolving business environment. Experienced M&A professionals suggest essential factors considered consequential to improving the dynamic internal process of executing M&A transactions. The goal is to build acquisition capability that enhances the firm’s ability to improve M&A performance. This research argues that knowledge derived from the effective implementation of the M&A process is as much a strategic variable as the transaction itself.
","abstract_html":"<p>Existing M&A and organizational learning theory research suggests the firm can develop expertise in M&A process execution with each successive M&A transaction experience. The ability to align, assimilate and exploit this learning to build acquisition capability over time aligns with the dynamic capabilities theory. This study inductively explores how the firm learns from previous acquisition experience and continuously improves its M&A process capability. While there are three dimensions of dynamic capabilities, this study focuses on the Sensing dimension – identifying opportunities and threats meeting the demands of an ever-evolving business environment. Experienced M&A professionals suggest essential factors considered consequential to improving the dynamic internal process of executing M&A transactions. The goal is to build acquisition capability that enhances the firm’s ability to improve M&A performance. This research argues that knowledge derived from the effective implementation of the M&A process is as much a strategic variable as the transaction itself.</p>","abstract_has_math":false,"creators":["Graves, Chauntel R."],"institution":null,"degree_name":"Ph.D.","degree_level":"Dissertation","degree_discipline":null,"degree_department":null,"school":null,"contributors":["Daniel Baack","Lisa M. Victoravich","Aaron Duncan"],"advisors":[],"committee_chairs":[],"committee_members":[],"year":2023,"date_issued":"2023-08-01T07:00:00Z","date_published":"2023-08-01T07:00:00Z","updated_at":"2026-07-24T02:01:39Z","subjects":["Merger and acquisition (M&A) transaction","Organizational learning theory","Dynamic capabilities theory","Accounting","Business","Business Administration, Management, and Operations"],"languages":["English (eng)"],"rights":["Copyright is held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.
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"],"dc:subject":["Merger and acquisition (M&A) transaction","Organizational learning theory","Dynamic capabilities theory","Accounting","Business","Business Administration, Management, and Operations"],"dc:title":["Experience Matters: Exploring How Firms Build Dynamic Capabilities Through Execution of the M&A Transaction Process"],"thesis:degree_level":["Dissertation"],"thesis:degree_name":["Ph.D."]},"updated_at":"2026-07-24T02:01:39Z"}